AS Russia and Ukraine are on the brink of war, in case of World War 3, the Queen has a secret speech prepared.

During one of the most fraught Cold War periods, the monarch was prepared to address the nation in the event of nuclear conflict.

Does the Queen have a secret speech prepared for World War 3?

The speech, which was devised by Whitehall officials but never recorded was released by the government under the 30-year rule.

It was drawn up as part of a war-gaming exercise in the spring of 1983, which assessed and prepared for potential scenarios.

The script was written with a mind to it being broadcast by The Queen at midday on Friday 4 March, 1983, to prepare the country for World War III.

In the script for the hypothetical broadcast, it is stated that Queen Elizabeth would describe the threat to our "brave country" as "greater" than any other in history.

It also pays homage to the Queen's son, Prince Andrew, who was serving in the Royal Navy at the time.

Questions surrounding a possible WW3 speech comes as the Russian president Vladimir Putin's decided to order troops over the Russian border of Ukraine.

The Health Secretary told Sky News the West was “waking up to a very dark day in Europe", adding that an “invasion of Ukraine has begun” and Britain will now impose further sanctions on Russia.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on January 21, and chaired an emergency COBRA committee the next day.

Officials have warned that escalation of the crisis may see the bloodiest conflict in Europe since WW2, leading to thousands of civilian deaths and sparking a significant refugee crisis in Europe.

General Sir Richard Sherriff, Britain's former top Nato commander said: "This is the most dangerous moment in Europe probably at least since 1962 and the Cuban missile crisis."

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What would Queen Elizabeth say in her speech?

It explains that "the horrors of war could not have seemed more remote as my family and I shared our Christmas joy with the growing family of the Commonwealth".

The address continues: "Now, this madness of war is once more spreading through the world and our brave country must again prepare itself to survive against great odds.

"I have never forgotten the sorrow and the pride I felt as my sister and I huddled around the nursery wireless set listening to my father's [George VI's] inspiring words on that fateful day in 1939 [at the start of World War II].

"Not for a single moment did I imagine that this solemn and awful duty would one day fall to me.

"But whatever terrors lie in wait for us all, the qualities that have helped to keep our freedom intact twice already during this sad century will once more be our strength.

"My husband and I share with families up and down the land the fear we feel for sons and daughters, husbands and brothers who have left our side to serve their country.

"My beloved son Andrew is at this moment in action with his unit and we pray continually for his safety and for the safety of all servicemen and women at home and overseas.

"It is this close bond of family life that must be our greatest defence against the unknown.

"If families remain united and resolute, giving shelter to those living alone and unprotected, our country's will to survive cannot be broken."

It concludes by saying the Queen's message to the nation was "simple", adding: "As we strive together to fight off the new evil, let us pray for our country and men of goodwill wherever they may be. God Bless you all."

Why was the speech prepared?

At this time, tensions were rife between the Soviet Union and the United States.

On August 30, 1983, Soviet jet fighters intercepted a Korean Airlines passenger flight in Russian airspace and shot it down, killing all 269 on board.

A nuclear war with the Soviet Union was almost triggered two months later when an annual Nato military exercise – code-named Able Archer – was perceived to be a genuine attack.

As the Cold War came to an end, the Soviet Union and the United States later negotiated a reduction in the number of nuclear weapons.

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